Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bystrom, CA (2024 Update)
- Bystrom Solar Installation Cost: $7,258
- 25-Year Savings: $19,032
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bystrom
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bystrom.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bystrom generally cost about 3.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Bystrom, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,258, or $10,379 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $31,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bystrom
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,087 |
| 3 years | $-3,746 |
| 5 years | $-1,406 |
| 7 years | $935 |
| 9 years | $3,276 |
| 11 years | $5,617 |
| 13 years | $7,958 |
| 15 years | $10,299 |
| 17 years | $12,640 |
| 19 years | $14,980 |
| 21 years | $17,321 |
| 23 years | $19,662 |
| 25 years | $22,003 |
Top Solar Installers in Bystrom
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Bystrom
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bystrom
The cost of installing a solar system in Bystrom can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,470. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Bystrom homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bystrom is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $34,525 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $46,423 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $58,514 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $70,800 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $83,280 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $95,954 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $108,823 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $121,886 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Bystrom, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bystrom?
The average cost of solar panels in Bystrom is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.